Cane vs Synthetic Reeds

[@richardagins871]

You are an extremely knowledgeable man, who explains things clearly. And - you have an amazing, huge sound!! Thank you so much for your videos.

[@Sirvalorsax]

My pleasure!

[@bobblues1158]

Great! Cracking me up. I have been through the same thing. It´s good to hear somebody else who came to the same conclusions and had the same immediate reaction.

[@Sirvalorsax]

Thanks

[@newtestamentbelieversfello247]

I love the legeres. I use a 2 for my Tenor. They are incredible

[@cor06021962]

me too

[@toomuchtoofast4533]

Me three .. try the American cut too

[@patrickmarino8601]

I take the plastic off the bottom of the plasticoat with a reed knife and you get a nice wood contact with the mouthpiece while still still having some of the quality and benefits of plastic coat on the top vamp. The reeds play very very different and it's the closest thing to a plastic and wood combination. It takes time to work the reeds this way but the tone is incredible! I rotate 16 at a time in the reed cases that are temperature controlled. One last thing I do is soak the reed in water for a few minutes then play long tones for about ten minutes. Take the reed off and polish the exposed wood area with the extreme fine sand paper to close the pours. This gives a pure sound with no saliva in the tone. Very clean and pure. I do this with each reed I rotate before every performance or practice. I'm the only one that I know of that does the plastic coats this way but it combines the plastic and wood world together with great results. I've been playing the sax over 55 years and I perform close to 200 gigs a year. I'm also a retired music teacher. When I heard plas Johnsons play the pink panther with the henry mancini band and found out he played a plastic coat baritone sax reed on his 875 silver yamaha tenor it got me thinking about experimenting with them plastic coats. I must have tried 10 different ways to get them to work for me and I found this method to be great. My back up reed choice is the black box boston sax shop reeds and the rico royal reeds. They still can't compare to a worked on plastic coat. Give this method a try. By the way the altissimo works great on these reeds. I also want to mention that Tom Scott in his younger days played a plastic coat . I'm not sure if he worked on them like I do but he had a great altissimo too. Thanks for all you do for us sax players. I always enjoy your programs and I think your a great guy. SEE YA.

[@nowthenad3286]

Thank you, Sir. That was an incredibly useful video. Thank you for taking the time. Much appreciated.

[@Sirvalorsax]

Glad it was helpful!

[@brekedekdang39]

Thanks for giving Légère a chance. I like Légère myself. I still like to have some cane reeds laying around, but I use Légère most of the time.

[@N1ckRa]

love that Roland kirk style intro

[@nickolaswarren]

Dip in hot water second at a time to adjust softness and sound.

[@larrykeys]

I tend to use Sigs outside during the summer. I just wish they'd put a color strip on the tip. That would make setting up in the sunshine so much easier. Sig 2.75-3.0

[@Sirvalorsax]

OMG I totally agree. I find it hard using these with the transparent color also

[@robertgalardi3731]

I play with only Fiber cell reeds # 2 or 2 1/2 ,, use either a dukof metal or van doren zuma on my tenor rather than many other synthetics which i dont find as strong or as sharp as the cutting Fiber Cell's ..I have been using them for over 25 yrs ... love em' bobby G..

[@DovidSal]

I particularly like the fibracell, I found it very well adjusted for a dark mouthpiece like STM NY Otto Link - Tenor Sax

[@vincentgaglio5106]

Got a lot of moughpieces, lever signature series I love, I don't play anything as good as you, but I love the Legere

[@Eniral441]

I play Bari. I love the Legere Signatures on my Selmer C* mouthpiece. I found that I do have to go down .25 in strength though. I especially like them on my classical styles of music. I don't like the fibracells and have never had a lot of luck with them. I recently tried them on my Singer's Day and it was too bright. I like the darker tones myself. I do like cane typically and Id rather be able to adjust my reeds, but I recently moved to Nevada where they dry out so quick. So, I've been experimenting.

[@JorgeL721]

That lightning bolt startled the crap out of me

[@johnventer7481]

I have tried most of the synthetic reeds and found the FiberReed Carbon (black and White) to be closest to cane.

[@ROY-COLLEY]

Great in depth video man. I really love watching your vids as you go in really deep into the combinations . 👏👏

[@Sirvalorsax]

Glad you enjoy it!

[@ishta]

The Fibracell will also degrade over time. So I bought some like 15 years ago and kept 2 unplayed. I also gave reeds that I bought already old stock 20 years ago. I pulled them up today. Cane plaid and the Fibracell just buzzes and chirps.

[@DynamixWarePro]

I have tried Legere Signature, Studio Cut and 1 Classic Cut on my JodyJazz HR* 6M Alto mouthpiece and with the signature series, I tried a 2, 2.25, 2.5 and 2.75. I found up to the 2.5 too freeblowing and gave me a buzzy sound. The 2.75 was too resistant and couldn't use it. I think I had this issue due to the freeblowing nature of the mouthpiece and the signature reeds. I tried Studio Cut which has more resistance in it and that fixed the lack of or too much resistance I was getting and now can play it with a Studio Cut 2.5 with no issues at all. I tried the Classic Cut 1.75, and didn't like the sound. I have used the signature reeds on my Selmer S80 C** with no issues and like the sound I get. I also had a Fibracell reed which someone gave me. It was a tenor reed and I play alto, so tried it anyway on my Meyer 6M alto mouthpiece. Low notes came out a bit easier and it gave me a fatter more tenor like sound, especially in the low notes, as I think using tenor reeds on alto can do, but the reed was too bright for me.

[@Sirvalorsax]

I was surprised by how differently they played across the spectrum of mouthpieces I have

[@kjmsax1]

Hello Sir, first let me say that I really enjoy your channel. Your videos are extremely informative and interesting. I’m a subscriber and I appreciate you sharing your wisdom with us. I’ve been using Fibracell #5 reeds for about 20 years. I love ‘em. They are very consistent. Every reed I buy is playable. I got tired of buying boxes of reeds only to find one or two that was useful. You are right though, the lighter the reed strength the brighter sounding they are. I use them on V16 metal and rubber mouthpieces T7,T8& T95 and on modern vintage OttoLink metal and rubber 7 & 7* pieces. Sometimes on a Gary Sugal KWII when I need to be LOUD. With a little practice, I was able to control my embouchure and get the warm round sound I was looking for. I heard Branford Marsalis once say that the sound we are looking for is already in our mind and it almost doesn’t matter what equipment we use because we will adjust our playing and embouchure in order to get that sound. Of course some equipment will help us more than others. You Sir, sound fantastic on all these mouthpieces, ligatures and reeds! Even the ones you don’t like. Looking forward to your next videos. Peace

[@Sirvalorsax]

Thanks

[@pimeye]

Brilliant review. I now only use Plasticovers (2.0) on my baris. They are still a bit hit and miss on my tenors but brilliant on the baris. No wetting and much better consistency between reeds than a normal cane reed.

[@Sirvalorsax]

WOW! I might try a lower strength reed on my Bari setup as well. Thanks for the tip

[@dorklymorkly3290]

Video is a bit old, but...what's that harness? And would you still recommend it? The standard yamaha tenor strap is sawing off me heed.

[@DDS_Sr]

Sorry. Type 7* on alto, not 6*. Also, the edges on the Fibracell reeds are very sharp and cut your lips, so I round them off with #400 sandpaper. That solves the problem.

[@patrickkyle4601]

I prefer playing on cane reeds but got fed up of throwing half of them away. Tried Fibracell (ok -but brightish), Forestone (funny centre to the sound), Legere (OK after dropping a half strength) and Hartman fiberreed carbon (totally uncontrollable).

[@dang0690]

Am glad I'm not the only one who found the fiberreed carbon to be completely uncontrollable 😂

[@brittanyatterberry]

I like your perspective on using multiple mouthpieces for different sounds. I find that my Durga 3 and Legere 2.25 has a good combo but when I go to push them up top they give out and the Altissimo is thin. This year at Namm I didn’t find any other mouthpieces, that I liked and started looking at horns but after watching this video, it’s apparent that a mouthpiece reed combo can make or break your sound and perception.

[@Sirvalorsax]

Thanks.

[@brothermanv]

Great video, Sir! The biggest issue with synthetic reeds is there's no mainstream way for customers to try them before they buy. There are so many different synthetic reeds and strengths. Most players don't wanna pay $35+ and then find out the non-returnable reed doesn't work with their setup. I've been interested in trying synthetics for years. I finally was able to at this year's NAMM show. I absolutely love Hartmann's synthetics, specifically the classic carbon and onxy cuts. These cuts are most similar to the V16 and Java greens that I play. I never would have known which synthetics I liked if I didn't get to try em out first. It literally took me about an hour to figure out which strengths and cuts worked best for me. For synthetics to really take off, stores would need to make them available to play test like they do with mouthpieces

[@Sirvalorsax]

Great point. That $35 isn't much in the long run but when you have to keep buying them just to find what works on maybe just one mouthpiece at one facing on one saxophone, now you are very easily looking at $350 and still not being happy with what you have.

[@brothermanv]

@@Sirvalorsax Exactly. Also, more places need to sell cane reeds individually. When I went thru my mouthpiece journey, I had to simultaneously go through a reed journey because every mouthpiece I got needed different reeds. Sometimes I'd buy a box of reeds that did work on any mouthpiece. Now I have tons of unused reeds that I'll never use and I can't return.

[@Sirvalorsax]

Never say Never. I still have 2 of Vandoren Blue boxes from 12-15 years ago that Woodwind Brasswind sent me when I ordered 2.5's!! I plan on trying them now that I play on a much different setup than back then.

[@brothermanv]

@@Sirvalorsax Sweet. Looking forward to hearing how they worked. I'm definitely gonna keep em just in case I get another piece that they would work on

[@oleflogger6828]

I am an amateur in my 70s. I have found the Harry Hartmann "Fiberreed" synthetic reeds to work best for me. I like a dark sound. I do NOT play modern but much prefer sounding like the Brute, Bean, or Prez. I haven't found any video evaluating Fiberreed reeds. It might be informative for a Pro player to do that.

[@paulclare6589]

Is it sugar cane or bamboo reeds,I think the legere synthetic reeds are the best,they are consistant. Unlike bamboo reeds...a box of 10 and lucky if you get 3 that work good...

[@Sirvalorsax]

I don't know of any company that makes bamboo reeds. I mostly play Vandoren for alto and tenor and La Voz for soprano. On Vandoren's website, the list that they make cane exclusively. Since I have so many mouthpieces, I can make almost any reed work in some way on at least one of them. Also having a wide variety of tip openings and reed fixing knowledge goes a long way to save money.

[@tboy5443]

Hello Sirvalor. How are You doing. Recently I started to use ammoon JM reeds. They claim its made out of bamboo. They are very dark with a full sound. Very responsive . They are on the hard side so maybe a size 2 will be the go for you. They are cheap there is no harm in trying. I love a soft dark full sound on my soprano and thats excactly what i get. I mean a very soft dark full complex sound.

[@tboy5443]

I have tried this reed both on soprano and alto sax. Against vandoreen traditional, red java and rico orangebox. I do prefer them. They are so responsive. With a full complex mellow sound.

[@Sirvalorsax]

Thanks for the info. I've been interested in trying some bamboo reeds. I've also heard a lot about Rigotti reeds also. It might be a while before I can play them because right now it is super hard to get mail to my location

[@Osnosis]

Had not heard of Ammoon Jim reeds; I’ve played the Forestone bamboo reeds on tenor, but they are quite good.

[@orionsax7]

Eagerly awaiting that Metalite/Fibracell video! That is my go-to combo on bari.

[@Sirvalorsax]

I just posted it. Thanks.

[@iamtubuler9266]

I generally love the Java Reds 2 1/2 reeds. I play a Fibercell sometimes and have to have a #3 as a 2 1/2 closes up and is to soft when I push it. Try a #3 you may like it more. I think they soften up the more they get played also. I found the Plasticovers were a waste of money myself as the 2 1/2's I bought play more like 3 1/2 two by fours. Appreciate the reviews!My guess is your on a cruise ship?

[@Sirvalorsax]

Good guess!

[@Jazzmarcel]

Much needed review! Thanks!..........

[@juancardona2948]

fibracell= try 3#=( more similar in strengh to ur java red 2.5#) 2.5# fibracell sounds good with ur metalite wich its a mouthpiece that offers more resistance. :) try platicover 3# with ur all ur mouthpieces with bigger tip.facing . 3.5# sounds good with ur otto link +silverstain. that fibracell will sound good with ur shiva ii theo wanne :)

[@seanwintersax]

Super subjective.

[@colekopiak818]

Amazing sound! Ive been subbed since your sandstone/somthing mouthpeice review and i have watched many of your videos since.. You really should be getting more exposure you are phenominal... Im an aspiring saxophone player and im curious about what books youve read and prior training im in love with your tone. No homo

[@Sirvalorsax]

LOL! Thanks. I have a degree in jazz studies. As far as books go, Abersold is a must have for a beginner.

[@joerumler48]

I've tried Leger'e numerous times, but they just don't work for me.....seems to sound too "chalky" , dry and too foggy for me...I played fibracell many years ago so I might try them again.

[@Sirvalorsax]

Fibracells are very bright by comparison

[@joerumler48]

@@Sirvalorsax thanks.. I tried one back in the 70's...novel at the time but cool.:-)

[@joer3481]

Excellent review! Thanks:-)... I have considered the Legere reed for my Van Doren metal mouthpieces. It sounds great with the Link you have, I tried a Legere for my Meyer alto mpc, but it didn't respond well for me...I'm almost convinced about trying one now after your comparison........almost :-)

[@Sirvalorsax]

LOL!! :)

[@juancardona2948]

try that metalite with a java red 2# :) will fit similiar than the fibracell 2.5# o a java red 2.5# with a bg duo,or rovner versa, o ur silverstain lig. or java green 2.5# or jazz select 2m filed :)

[@motivation89742]

What’s the brightest cane reed you would recommend for a bright buzzy sound

[@Sirvalorsax]

From Vandoren I would recommend the Green Box.

[@sixtin7947]

What kind of reed would you recommend for a Belmonts metal mouthpiece with a 7 facing for alto

[@Sirvalorsax]

I've never heard of this company so I can't make a really good suggestion because I don't know what kind of approach they have to making tip openings or baffles. Synthetics are a good all around choice that will still work well on other pieces and last a long time if you switch pieces later.

[@fredhandrix]

Excellent video !

[@Sirvalorsax]

Thanks

[@chaisaxsoul]

Good job

[@Sirvalorsax]

😀

[@michaelkipler7970]

Do you ever play a metal Otto Link? Which facing do you prefer?

[@Sirvalorsax]

I have a regular 8*(from 20 years ago) which is too open for me now and a Modern Vintage 6*(new) I prefer 6* or 7 for metal Otto Links.

[@michaelkipler7970]

Thanks.

[@johnfilardi]

Every mp sounds bright

[@jamesdarylthomas3684]

Question which mouth pieces + reeds do U thing 4 a dart sound Thanks

[@Sirvalorsax]

The Vandoren V5 t35 is the darkest that I have. Keep in mind that just switching your reed choice can have a HUGE impact on brightness vs darkness. Before you buy a new piece, try a classical reed

[@timmylou9592]

Thanks 🙏🏾

[@Sirvalorsax]

Any time!

[@anquaviousshahab1678]

I use daddarioD6M legere 2.25 alto

[@Jazzmarcel]

Just waiting for someone to introduce a synthetic reed that isn’t so buzzingly bright, doesn’t split and at a at price that doesn’t cost more that a box of reeds!......at the moment I am playing a fiberreed onyx, it’s a little artificial sounding but, I am forcing myself to play it just to improve reed control ability! I figure if I can control it, a natural reed will be easier!

[@ricaard]

Forestone synthetics are darker, also Bari synthetics; Legere makes a series called Signature that's a bit darker. I also like Hartmann heavier reeds (hemp), for a darker approach.

[@marselmusic]

those intros... did you make those intro songs?

[@Sirvalorsax]

99% of them are mine. Some are from iMovie's free usage. Even still, I transcribed those and rearranged it to fit my style. My Allora Soprano sax review is an example. Thanks

[@DDS_Sr]

I have found that Fibracell reeds are far softer than their strengths indicate. I use a 2.5 on alto with an Otto Link 6* STM but a 3.0 or 3.5 with an Otto Link 8* tenor STM and a 3.5 with an Otto Link 8* baritone STM. Despite the apparent reed strengths, they are very free-blowing. I simply cannot use a 2.0 or 2.5 on tenor at all.

[@Sirvalorsax]

I really like synthetic reeds on bari

[@Stubummer]

Thank You...

[@tltate]

I can't use synthetic reeds. The response is just too different from cane. The other thing is they cost too damned much.

[@mikhailschwartz382]

Thanks for video. Can you tell me, if you make any reed adjustment using sandpaper? As I know many people do this with Bari reeds.

[@Sirvalorsax]

Yes. The first thing I do is seal the reed to make sure it is not porous. Sanding the back of the reed can make it lie flat on the table of the mouthpiece. Those 2 things are generally the biggest issues with reeds.

[@Sirvalorsax]

I only do that with cane reeds. I've never and will never sandpaper a synthetic reed.

[@Zigrund]

Harry Hartman reeds?!

[@Sirvalorsax]

I'll look into this

[@johnventer7481]

I have tried most of the synthetic reeds an settled on the FiberReed Carbon (black and white)

[@billducker7404]

Cane is so much better. Why play these synthetics when you can get such excellent cane reeds especially from Vandoren. But it's all a matter of personal choice keep up the good work. Bill. UK

[@Sirvalorsax]

They do make excellent backup reeds when your main reeds give out and if you double on saxes or clarinets that you don't play that often, it's nice to have a reliable alternative. I definitely prefer cane over synthetic.

[@juancardona2948]

my friend is its clearly that ur reed strengh its around your java red 2.5#! with some exceptions. ur otto link = java red 3#, dukoff= java green3# ,zz3#, v16 2.5#. (not sure if java red 3#) ur theo wanne'shiva ii= java green 2.5# zz 2.5#, java red 2#. have a good one and thanks for sharing!!

[@Sirvalorsax]

Thanks for tuning in to my channel

[@davidsherrington59]

You need to go a whole step up with Fibracell. Not really a fair comparison

[@Osnosis]

Yes, Fibracells run soft.

[@thinkharder2028]

I adjust leger reeds....same wsy as cane. Plasticover.....not so much! Lol

[@mitchdickson254]

??? Sorry bud, but they all sound just alike :) Seen this before in mandolin players. We call it MPS or mandolin player syndrome :) They constantly tinker with the keys hunting perfection past just tuning. It does not exist. They are delusional. You have caught MPS LOL! All the different mouthpieces, ligatures and reeds, which you think give a different result but in fact, sound the same :) I would guess your sound depends more on the horn than the reed. A cheep horn will sound cheap no mater what mouthpiece you use. And a good horn will be pleasent no mater what mouthpiece and reed you use. Just saying. It's like walking into a fishing tackle store. See the hundreds of different lures? Pros use as little as 5 different lures :) All those hundreds of different lures are to catch fishermen not fish ;)

[@Sirvalorsax]

It's actually the opposite. The reeds are far more influential than the horn will ever be. It's like saying Spanish and Portuguese sound the same. Only for those who don't speak either language.

[@B0X666]

@@Sirvalorsax Greetings from Brazil. Portuguese is the official language here and most people don't speak Spanish. A lot of of different words and expressions...